VCU launches new initiative to save energy during winter months

By Mike Frontiero
VCU School of Education

You think your utility bills are high? Virginia Commonwealth University’s energy, water and sewer costs totaled more than $8.6 million last year.

With recent energy price increases and higher fuel costs expected this winter, the university has launched a new initiative to lower its utility bills, challenging students, faculty and staff and administration to help keep buildings and equipment operating as efficiently as possible.

The VCU Energy Challenge will increase energy awareness and encourage the VCU community to view differently the way it uses energy and water resources, saving money and improving environmental quality in the Richmond area.

Through a new Web site established by VCU Facilities Management staff, www.vcu.edu/energychallenge, you can get tips and information about energy conservation, such as the cost of operating personal computers, alternative energy resources, and purchasing energy efficient appliances.

Energy conservation experts recommend replacing incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent ones, turning off your computer when you’re not using it, and turning back your room thermostat when you leave for the day. Also, report leaky faucets or run-on toilets to your building manager and turn off the lights whenever you leave.

To get the word out, The VCU Energy Challenge will be featured on the VCU home page at www.vcu.edu, on banners placed throughout the Monroe Park and MCV campuses, and through informational e-mails sent to the entire VCU community. Also, promotional events will be staged in the VCU Student Commons on Earth Day and the beginning of each semester, and contests will be sponsored to encourage creativity in spreading energy awareness.

The effort is one of the university’s answers to an executive order from Gov. Mark R. Warner, requesting state agencies be prudent in their use of energy. The order sets a short-term goal for all institutions in The Commonwealth to reduce energy consumption by at least seven percent and a long-term goal of 10 percent by 2006. VCU is challenging students, faculty and staff to start now, by saving 10 percent over the next year.

For more information on The VCU Energy Challenge, contact Thomas Shewan with VCU Facilities Management at 828.6627.